Electronic device including MEMS devices and holed substrates, in particular of the LGA or BGA type

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a substrate provided with a passing opening and a MEMS device including an active surface wherein a portion of the MEMS device is integrated sensitive to chemical/physical variations of a fluid. The active surface of the MEMS device faces the substrate and is spaced therefrom, the sensitive portion being aligned to the opening. A protective package incorporates at least partially the MEMS device and the substrate, leaving at least the sensitive portion of the MEMS device, and the opening of the substrate exposed. A barrier element is positioned in an area which surrounds the sensitive portion to realize a protection structure for the MEMS device, so that the sensitive portion is free.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority from Italian patent application No. MI2007A 000008, filed Jan. 4, 2007, and Italian patent application No. MI2007A 000007, filed Jan. 4, 2007, which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an electronic device including MEMS devices and holed substrates, in particular of the LGA or BGA type.

More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate particularly, but not exclusively, to an electronic device including MEMS sensors mounted on an LGA substrate, wherein the MEMS sensor needs a physical interface of communication with the outer environment of the electronic device and the following description is made with reference to this field of application for convenience of illustration only.

BACKGROUND

As it is well known, a MEMS device (micro-electro-mechanical system) is a micro device which integrated the mechanical and electrical functions in a silicon chip or die realized by using the lithographic techniques of micro manufacturing. The final assembled device is typically made of the silicon die wherein the MEMS is integrated and, optionally, of integrated circuits for specific applications mounted on a substrate, for example, of the LGA or BGA type (Land Grid Array or Ball Grid Array), flanked or piled onto the MEMS device, using the conventional assembling processes.

A cover or cap fixed to the substrate, encapsulates the MEMS device and the other integrated circuits mounted on the substrate, forming the package for protecting it from external physical stresses.

If the MEMS device is a pressure, gas or liquid sensor or a microphone, the cover is provided with holes for allowing the interaction between the device and outside of the assembled device.

It is also known that the substrate of the LGA/BGA type is formed by conductive layers insulated from each other by means of layers of insulating or dielectric material. The conductive layers are shaped in conductive tracks insulated from each other by layers of insulating or dielectric material. Conductive holes, called “vias”, are typically realized through the insulating layers with a vertical orientation with respect to the layers, to form conductive paths between conductive tracks belonging to different conductive layers.

The MEMS devices are then electrically connected to the outside of the final device, through wires which connect contact lands provided on the MEMS devices with the conductive tracks present on the substrate inside the cover.

Although advantageous under several aspects, these types of assembled electronic devices including MEMS sensors require, between the cap/cover and the substrate, a welding ring.

Moreover, the formation of this cover/cap which completes the assembled electronic device provides a series of process steps which are not provided in the realization of integrated circuits, with a considerable cost increase.

There is a need for electronic devices including MEMS devices and having such structural characteristics as to allow this electronic device to be made with manufacturing processes of conventional integrated circuits, overcoming the limits and/or the drawbacks still limiting the electronic devices realized according to the prior art.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electronic device including a MEMS device wherein the protective package is realized by means of molding.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a substrate provided with a passing opening and a MEMS device including an active surface wherein a portion of the MEMS device is integrated sensitive to chemical/physical variations of a fluid. The active surface of the MEMS device faces the substrate and is spaced therefrom, the sensitive portion being aligned to the opening. A protective package, which incorporates at least partially the MEMS device and the substrate, leaves at least the sensitive portion of the MEMS device and the opening of the substrate exposed. A barrier element is positioned in an area which surrounds the sensitive portion for realizing a protection structure for the MEMS device, so that the sensitive portion is free.

The characteristics and the advantages of electronic devices and methods of forming such devices according to the invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof given by way of indicative and non limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In these figures:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a further version of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 3 and 3 a are sectional views of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 b is a plan view which shows an active surface of the MEMS devices of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a further version of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a further version of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 a is a sectional view of a further version of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a further version of an electronic device including MEMS devices according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 9 to 20 are sectional views of applications of the electronic devices including MEMS devices realized according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

With reference to FIG. 1, an electronic device 1 is shown for MEMS devices according to a first embodiment of the invention which includes a substrate 2, for example of the LGA/BGA type, having an upper surface 3 and a lower surface 4 opposed to the upper surface 3, provided with an opening 5 passing between these surfaces 3, 4 and including conductive tracks, at least partially interconnected with each other, formed on these surfaces 3, 4. Moreover, lands 4 a connected to conductive tracks present on the lower surface 4 are present on this lower portion 4. A MEMS device 6 including a die, for example of silicon, having a non active surface 7 and an active surface 8 opposed to the non active surface 7. Advantageously, in the silicon die, in correspondence with the active surface 8, a sensitive portion 9 of MEMS device 6 is integrated. In particular, the MEMS device 6 is a sensor wherein the portion 9 is sensitive to chemical and/or physical variations of a fluid present outside the electronic device 1, and the fluid interacts with the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, through the opening 5.

According to this embodiment of the invention the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 faces the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 and is spaced therefrom and the sensitive portion 9 is aligned to the opening 5.

Moreover, the peripheral portion of the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 is provided with connection lands for the electric connection to conductive tracks present on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2, by means of electric connections 10, for example bumps.

Advantageously, the MEMS device 6 is electrically mounted on the substrate 2 by means of known “flip-chip” assembly methods.

In particular, between the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 and the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 different functional areas remain defined: a free central area 3 c aligned to the sensitive portion 9, a lateral area 3 a which surrounds the free central area 3 c wherein electric connections 10 are present which electrically couple the MEMS device 6 with the substrate 2, and a mean area 3 b included between the lateral area 3 a and the free central area 3 c. In particular also the mean area 3 b surrounds the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6.

Also according to embodiments of the invention, the electronic device 1 includes a protective package 11, realized through molding, which incorporates the MEMS device 6, the electric connections 10 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 and the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

In other words, the MEMS device 6 is enclosed in the protective package 11.

According to embodiments of the invention, a barrier element 12 is positioned in an area 3 b which surrounds the sensitive portion 9, i.e., it is realized in correspondence with the mean area 3 b.

Advantageously according to embodiments of the invention, the presence of this barrier element 12 protects the sensitive portion 9 during the manufacturing step of the protective package 11, through molding, so that this sensitive portion 9 remains free.

In particular, in a known way, the formation of the protective package 11 provides the introduction, inside a cavity of a mold, of the substrate 2 whereon the MEMS device 6 is mounted.

In the mold cavity the injection under pressure and at high temperature is then provided of an electrically insulating material at the melted state, which will be the plastic body of the protective package 11. This material is typically a synthetic resin, for example, epoxy resin.

The proper molding step involves the injection of the resin in the cavity of the mold. This step is then followed by a cooling step for completing the protective package 11.

For avoiding damage by the resin of the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 during the resin injection step, according to embodiments of the invention, between the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 and the active surface 8, the barrier element 12 is provided which completely surrounds at least the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, the barrier element 12 is a ring which completely surrounds the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, when the MEMS device 6 is mounted on the substrate 2, and contacts the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 and the active surface 8.

Advantageously, the barrier element 12 is formed by welding paste, therefore, in this embodiment, the electric connection step and the gluing step of the MEMS device 6 to the substrate 2 are carried out at the same time, resulting in a particularly compact structure of simple realization, not needing critical alignments between different structures.

In this first embodiment the outer edge of this barrier element 12 is completely coated by the protective package 11.

Another embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 is shown with reference to FIG. 2.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 1 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, in this electronic device 1 a, a protective package 11 a, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the electric connections 10 and the substrate 2, leave the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 3 a and 3 b, an electronic device 1 b according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 1 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, the electronic device 1 b includes a substrate 2, for example of the LGA/BGA type, having an upper surface 3 and a lower surface 4 opposed to the upper surface 3, provided with an opening 5. A MEMS device 6 includes a die, for example of silicon, having a non active surface 7 and an active surface 8 opposed to the non active surface 7, wherein a sensitive portion 9 of a MEMS sensor is integrated.

According to this embodiment of the invention the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 faces the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 and is spaced therefrom and the sensitive portion 9 is aligned to the opening 5.

Moreover, the peripheral portion of the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 is provided with connection lands for the electric connection to conductive tracks present on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2, by means of electric connections 10, for example bumps.

Advantageously, the MEMS device 6 is electrically mounted on the substrate 2 by means of the known “flip-chip” assembly methods.

Therefore, between the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 and the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 three areas are identified: a free central area 3 c aligned to the sensitive portion 9, a lateral area 3 a which surrounds the free central area 3 c wherein electric connections 10 are present which electrically couple the MEMS device 6 with the substrate 2, and a mean area 3 b included between the lateral area 3 a and the free central area 3 c.

Also according to this embodiment of the invention, the electronic device 1 includes a protective package 11 b, realized through molding, which incorporates the MEMS device 6, the electric connections 10 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 and the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

In other words, the MEMS device 6 is enclosed in the protective package 11 b.

According to this embodiment of the invention, a barrier element 12 a, 12 b is positioned at least in an area 3 b which surrounds the sensitive portion 9, i.e., it is realized at least in correspondence with the mean area 3 b.

In this second embodiment, the barrier element 12 a is an irregular area 12 a formed on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 or the barrier element 12 b is an irregular area 12 b formed on the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, this irregular area 12 a, 12 b shows a wrinkled surface.

Advantageously, this irregular area 12 a extends on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 in correspondence with all the circuit free area 3 c.

Advantageously, according to this embodiment of the invention this irregular area 12 a is obtained by modifying the chemical properties of the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2, as shown in FIG. 3.

Advantageously, the irregular area 12 a is formed by non wettable material.

This layer 12 a of wettable material may be formed on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, advantageously according to this embodiment of the invention the barrier element 12 b is formed by an irregular area 12 b which is obtained by modifying the chemical properties of the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, this irregular area 12 b extends on the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 in correspondence with the whole sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6.

It is in fact known that the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 is covered by a protection layer 6 a including wettable material, for example a plastic layer, for example including organic material such as Polyimide.

According to this embodiment of the invention, from the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 the layer element of wettable material 6 a is removed leaving a dielectric layer 12 b of the non wettable type exposed, for example silicon oxide, which covers the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, after the removal step from the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 of the layer 6 a of wettable material, the MEMS device 6 is welded on the substrate 2 and is subjected to a cleaning operation, for example in Plasma, by using a gas argon and oxygen mixture.

Advantageously, the oxygen of the cleaning mixture chemically reacts with the layer 6 a of wettable material increasing its wettability, while the dielectric layer 12 b which covers the sensitive portion 9 is inert to the treatment.

Therefore, as a result after the treatment an increased wettability of the layer 6 a of wettable material is obtained, comparable to that of the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 and a reduced wettability of the surface of the dielectric layer 12 b which covers the sensitive portion 9.

This difference of wettability implies a sudden slow down of the resin flow during the molding step of the protective package 11 b thereby the surface tension of the resin leads to the formation of a meniscus around the peripheral surface of the dielectric layer 12 b which covers the sensitive portion 9.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 3 b, the peripheral surface of the dielectric layer 12 b is of circular shape.

The barrier layer 12 b of non wettable material may be formed only on the active surface 8 of the upper MEMS device 3 of the substrate 2 of the sensitive portion 9.

In a further version of this second embodiment of the invention the irregular area 12 a, 12 b shows some wrinkles.

Advantageously, in the irregular area 12 a, 12 b trenches are formed in the substrate or in the MEMS device 6, so as to realize a preferred path defined in the substrate or on the MEMS device 6 for the resin during the molding step.

Advantageously, these trenches completely surround the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, in this latter embodiment a layer of non wettable material can be present in correspondence with the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 in the area surrounded by the trenches.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the presence of this irregular area 12 a, 12 b protects the sensitive portion 9 during the manufacturing step of the protective package 11 a, through molding, having the liquid resin uniformly distributed around the electric connections without reaching the sensitive portion 9.

An embodiment of the device of FIG. 3 is shown with reference to FIG. 4.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 3 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, in this electronic device 1 c, a protective package 11 c, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the electric connections 10 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 5, an electronic device 1 d according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 1 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, in this embodiment an underfiller 13 is present in the lateral area 3 a so as to incorporate the electric connections 10 for mechanically strengthening the electronic device 1 in the connection area between the MEMS device 6 and the substrate 2.

Advantageously, the underfiller 13 is epoxy resin.

Advantageously, the underfiller 13 shows a profile tapered outwards with respect of the lateral area 3 a on the opposite side with respect to the mean area 3 b, while it shows a substantially vertical profile in correspondence with the mean area 3 b.

In other words, the cross section of the underfiller 13 increases when approaching the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2.

The electronic device 1 d also includes a protective package 11 d, realized through molding, which incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 and the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

The presence of the barrier material 12 allows maintaining the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, i.e., the central free area 3 c, free from the underfiller 13.

Moreover, the underfiller 13 protects the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 during the manufacturing step of the plastic package 11 d.

An embodiment of the device of FIG. 5 is shown with reference to FIG. 6.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 5 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, in this electronic device 1 e, a protective package 11 e, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 7, an electronic device 1 f according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 3 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, in this embodiment an underfiller 13 is present in the lateral area 3 a so as to incorporate the electric connections 10 to mechanically strengthen the electronic device 1 in the connection area between the MEMS device 6 and the substrate 2.

Advantageously, the underfiller 13 shows a tapered profile outside the lateral area 3 a on the opposite side with respect to the mean area 3 b, while it shows a substantially vertical profile in correspondence with the mean area 3 b.

In other words, the cross section of the underfiller 13 increases when approaching the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2.

The electronic device 1 f also includes a protective package 11 f, realized through molding, which incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 and the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

The presence of the barrier element 12 a allows maintaining the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 free from the underfiller 13.

A further embodiment of the device of FIG. 7 is shown with reference to FIG. 7 a.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 7 will be given the same reference numbers.

In this embodiment the barrier element 12 b is formed on the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 around the sensitive portion 9, prior to the formation of the underfiller 13, with the same modes with which the barrier element 12 b of FIG. 3 a is realized.

In particular, the difference of wettability between the barrier element 12 b and the portion outside the barrier layer implies a sudden slow down of the flow of the underfiller 13 during its dispensing step after the MEMS device 6 has been fixed to the substrate, thereby the surface tension of the underfiller 13 leads to the formation of a meniscus around the peripheral surface of the barrier element 12 b which at least surrounds the sensitive portion 9.

An embodiment of the device of FIG. 7 is shown with reference to FIG. 8.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 7 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, in this electronic device 1 g, a protective package 11 g, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

In particular, in this embodiment an underfiller 13 is present in the lateral area 3 a so as to incorporate the electric connections 10 to mechanically strengthen the electronic device 1 in the connection area between the MEMS device 6 and the substrate 2.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, two further versions of an electronic device 1 h according to the first embodiment of the invention are shown.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 1 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, the electronic device 1 h includes an integrated circuit 14 having a first surface 14 a and a second surface 14 b opposed to the first surface, the integrated circuit 14 being mounted with the first surface 14 a on the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6.

The integrated circuit 14 is thus electrically connected to the conductive tracks present on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 15.

For example, the dimension of the cross section of this integrated circuit 14 is greater than the dimension of the cross section of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 9, on the first surface 14 a a passivated circuitry is integrated and moreover the first surface 14 a is provided with connection lands for the electric connection to the MEMS device 6, by means of bumps.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 10, on the second surface 14 b a passivated circuitry is integrated and moreover connection lands are provided for the electric connection to the MEMS device 6 through wire-bonding.

A protective package 11 h, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the integrated circuit 14, the connections 15 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, two further versions are shown of an electronic device 1 g according to the third embodiment of the invention.

Elements being structurally and functionally identical with respect to the device described with reference to FIG. 5 will be given the same reference numbers.

In particular, the electronic device 1 g includes an integrated circuit 14 having a first surface 14 a and a second surface 14 b opposed to the first surface, which is mounted with the first surface 14 a on the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6.

The integrated device 14 is then electrically connected to the conductive tracks formed on the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 15.

Advantageously, the dimension of the cross section of this integrated circuit 14 is greater than the dimension of the cross section of the MEMS device 6.

Advantageously, the underfiller 13 is also present in an area 14 c included between a portion of the first surface 14 a projecting with respect to the MEMS device and the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2.

Advantageously, the underfiller 13 shows a tapered profile outside the area 14 c.

In other words the cross section of the underfiller 13 increases when approaching the upper surface 3 of the substrate 2.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 11, the first surface 14 a is provided with connection lands for the electric connection to the MEMS device 6, by means of bump (flip-chip) bonding.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 12, the second surface 14 b is provided with connection lands for the electric connection to the MEMS device 6, by means of connection wires (wirebonding).

A protective package 11 g, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the integrated circuit 14, the connections 15, the underfiller 13 and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

The presence of the underfiller 13 allows to protect both the integrated circuit 14 and the MEMS device 6 during the molding step of the protective package 11 g.

With reference to FIG. 13 the electronic device 1 i is shown which is a further version of the electronic device of FIG. 9, wherein the protective package 11 i leaves the second surface 14 b of the integrated circuit 14 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 14 the electronic device 1 l is shown which is a further embodiment of the electronic device of FIG. 11, wherein the protective package 11 l leaves the second surface 14 b of the integrated circuit 14 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 15, the device 1 of FIG. 1 is shown wherein an integrated circuit 16 is mounted on the substrate 2 flanked by the MEMS device 6, and fixed to the substrate 2, for example by means of a welding layer 16 b.

The integrated circuit 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 16 a.

The protective package 11, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6 with the electric connections 10, the integrated circuit 16 with the electric connections 16 a and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 16, the device 1 d of FIG. 5 is shown wherein an integrated circuit 16 is mounted on the substrate 2 flanked to the MEMS device 6, and fixed to the substrate 2, for example by means of a welding layer 16 b.

The integrated circuit 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 16 a.

The protective package 11 d, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13, the integrated circuit 16 with the further electric connections 16 a and the substrate 2, leaving sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 17, the device 1 a of FIG. 2 is shown wherein an integrated circuit 16 is mounted on the substrate 2 flanked to the device MEMS 6, and fixed to the substrate 2, for example by means of a welding layer 16 b.

The integrated circuit 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 16 a.

The protective package 11 a, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6 with the electric connections 10, the integrated circuit 16 with the further electric connections 16 a and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 18, the device 1 e of FIG. 6 is shown wherein an integrated circuit 16 is mounted on the substrate 2 flanked to the MEMS device 6, and fixed to the substrate 2, for example by means of a welding layer 16 b.

The integrated circuit 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 16 a.

The protective package 11 e, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13, the integrated circuit 16 with the further electric connections 16 a and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 and the non active surface 7 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 19, the device 1 h of FIG. 9 is shown wherein a second integrated circuit 16 is mounted on the substrate 2 flanked to the MEMS device 6, and fixed to the substrate 2, for example by means of a welding layer 16 b.

The second integrated circuit 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 16 a.

A third integrated circuit 17 is mounted on the second surface 14 b of the integrated circuit 14, and electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 17 a.

A fourth integrated circuit 18 is mounted on the second integrated circuit 16 and electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 18 a.

The protective package 11 h, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the electric connections 10, the integrated circuits 14, 16, 17 and 18 with the relative electric connections 15, 16 a, 17 a and 18 a and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

With reference to FIG. 20, the device 1 g of FIG. 11 is shown wherein a second integrated circuit 16 is mounted on the substrate 2 flanked to the MEMS device 6, and fixed to the substrate 2, for example by means of a welding layer 16 b.

The second integrated circuit 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 16 a.

A third integrated circuit 17 is mounted on the second surface 14 b of the integrated circuit 14, and electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 17 a.

A fourth integrated circuit 18 is mounted on the second integrated circuit 16 and electrically connected to the substrate 2 by means of further electric connections 18 a.

The protective package 11 g, realized through molding, incorporates the MEMS device 6, the underfiller 13, the integrated circuits 14, 16, 17 and 18 with the relative electric connections 15, 16 a, 17 a and 18 a and the substrate 2, leaving the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6, as well as the lower surface 4 and the opening 5 of the substrate 2 exposed.

Advantageously, the integrated circuits 14, 16, 17 and 18 can be sensor devices, for example accelerometers 14, gyroscopes 18, magnetometers 17 to form an IMU (inertial measurement unit).

These integrated circuits can be put in different configurations inside the protective package on the basis of their dimensions and geometric features.

With devices according to embodiments of the invention it is possible to realize microphones, pressure, gas, chemical sensors, which are encapsulated in a protective package realized by means of molding. These devices can, in turn, be contained in a variety of different types of electronic systems, such as barometric systems, audio systems, computer systems, control systems, safety systems, and so on.

It is then possible to integrate more sensors (accelerometers and pressure sensors) in the same protective package 11, for example to realize the IMU, or for barometric stations by integrating, for example, a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor.

Advantageously, in electronic devices according to one embodiment of the invention and previously described, the electronic device as a whole shows an overall dimension included between 3×3×1 mm̂3, while the MEMS device 6 has a width of 1500 μm a length of 1500 μm and a thickness of 700 μm.

The sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 has a diameter included between 100 μm and 1000 μm.

The distance between the active surface 8 of the MEMS device 6 and the upper surface 3 of the substrate is included between 50 and 500 μm, while the thickness of the substrate is included between about 150 and 300 μm and the width of the opening 5 is included between 100 and 700 μm.

If the barrier element 12 is realized with a ring of welding paste it has a thickness of a cross section included between 60 and 300 μm.

If the barrier element 12 a, 12 b is realized with an irregular area it has a width of a cross section of about 10-50 μm and, for example, a depth included between 20-80 μm.

In conclusion, electronic devices according to embodiments of the invention are particularly compact and use technical solutions which do not provide critical alignments. Advantageously according to embodiments of the invention, the presence of the barrier element 12, 12 a allows protecting the sensitive portion 9 of the MEMS device 6 during the manufacturing steps of the protective package 11 or during the dispensing step of the underfiller 13 in the electronic device 1 according to the invention.

In particular, according to embodiments of the invention, this barrier element 12, 12 a, 12 b can be of physical or chemical nature or a combination of the two.

These barrier elements 12, 12 a, 12 b can be realized both on the substrate 2 and on the MEMS device 6.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An electronic device, comprising: a substrate provided with a passing opening, a MEMS device comprising an active surface wherein a portion of said MEMS device is integrated sensitive to chemical/physical variations of a fluid, wherein said active surface of said MEMS device faces said substrate and is spaced therefrom, said sensitive portion being aligned to said opening, and in that it also comprised: a protective package, which incorporates at least partially said MEMS device and said substrate, leaving at least said sensitive portion of said MEMS device, and said opening of the substrate exposed; and a barrier element positioned in an area which surrounds said sensitive portion for realizing a protection structure for said MEMS device, so that said sensitive portion is free.
 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said barrier element comprises a ring that is in contact with the surface of said substrate and with the active surface of said MEMS device, and whose external edge is completely coated by said protective package.
 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said barrier element comprises welding paste.
 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said barrier element comprises an irregular area formed on the surface of the substrate.
 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein this irregular area extends on the surface of said substrate in correspondence with said sensitive portion.
 6. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein this irregular area is obtained by modifying the chemical properties of the surface of the substrate.
 7. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein said irregular area is formed by a non-wettable material.
 8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein electric connections which electrically couple said MEMS device with said substrate are present outside said barrier element with respect to said sensitive portion.
 9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein an underfiller incorporates said electric connections.
 10. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein said electric connections comprise bumps.
 11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said MEMS device is mounted on said substrate by means of the known “flip-chip” assembling method.
 12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said MEMS device is completely enclosed in said protective package.
 13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said protective package leaves also the non active surface of said MEMS device exposed.
 14. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein said underfiller shows a tapered profile outside said peripheral area, while it shows a substantially vertical profile in correspondence with said area which surrounds said sensitive portion.
 15. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising integrated circuits mounted flanked or piled onto the MEMS device.
 16. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein said integrated circuits are electrically connected to conductive tracks present on said substrate, by means of further electric connections.
 17. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein said protective package incorporates said integrated circuits and said further electric connections.
 18. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is of the LGA type.
 19. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is of the BGA type.
 20. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said MEMS device comprises a pressure sensor.
 21. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said MEMS device comprises a gas sensor.
 22. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said MEMS device comprises a chemical sensor.
 23. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the protective package is realized through molding.
 24. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said barrier element comprises an irregular area formed on the active surface of the MEMS device.
 25. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein this irregular area extends on the sensitive portion of the MEMS device.
 26. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein this irregular area is obtained by modifying the chemical properties around/of the active surface of the MEMS device.
 27. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein this irregular area is formed by non wettable material.
 28. The electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the MEMS device comprises a protection layer on the active surface wherein said irregular area is formed by means of removal of said protection layer from the sensitive portion of the MEMS device exposing said layer of non wettable material.
 29. The electronic device according to claim 28, wherein said protection layer is Polyimide and said layer of non wettable material is oxide.
 30. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein said irregular area comprises trenches which form preferred paths during the formation steps of the protective package.
 31. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein a layer of non wettable material is formed in correspondence with said sensitive portion of said MEMS device.
 32. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a barrier element protects the sensitive portion during the formation of said underfiller.
 33. An electronic device, comprising: a substrate including a passing opening; a die coupled to the substrate, the die including an active surface and the active surface including a sensitive portion positioned adjacent the passing opening of the substrate and the die being operable to sense a physical parameter of a medium to which the sensitive portion is exposed through the passing opening; a protective package housing the substrate and the die; and a barrier element formed surrounding the sensitive portion to isolate the sensitive portion from the protective package.
 34. The electronic device of claim 33 wherein the barrier element comprises a ring formed adjoining a surface of the substrate and the active surface of die.
 35. The electronic device of claim 34 wherein the barrier element includes a periphery surface that is completely covered by the protective package.
 36. The electronic device of claim 33 wherein the barrier element comprises an irregular area formed on a surface of the substrate surrounding and adjacent to the passing opening.
 37. The electronic device of claim 33 wherein the barrier element comprises an irregular area formed on the active surface of the die surrounding the sensitive portion.
 38. The electronic device of claim 33 wherein the die comprises a MEMS device.
 39. The electronic device of claim 33 wherein the medium comprises a fluid.
 40. The electronic device of claim 39 wherein the physical parameter of the fluid comprises a chemical property of the fluid.
 41. The electronic device of claim 33 further comprising at least one additional die electronically coupled to the substrate.
 42. The electronic device of claim 41 wherein at least one additional die is formed on the substrate flanking the die.
 43. An electronic system, comprising: electronic circuitry including a sensor, the sensor including, a substrate including a passing opening; a die coupled to the substrate, the die including an active surface and the active surface including a sensitive portion positioned adjacent the passing opening of the substrate and the die being operable to sense a physical parameter of a medium to which the sensitive portion is exposed through the passing opening; a protective package housing the substrate and the die; and a barrier element formed surrounding the sensitive portion to isolate the sensitive portion from the protective package.
 44. The electronic system of claim 42 wherein the sensor comprises one of a microphone, pressure sensor, gas sensor, flow sensor, and pH sensor.
 45. The electronic system of claim 43 wherein the electronic circuitry comprises one of barometric circuitry, audio circuitry, computer circuitry, control circuitry, test equipment circuitry, or safety system circuitry.
 46. A method of protecting packages including a substrate and a die, the die including an active surface including a sensitive portion and the method comprising: forming a passing opening in the substrate; attaching the die to the substrate; forming a protective package to house the substrate and the die, the protective package leaving the passing opening exposed; and forming a barrier layer that isolates the sensitive portion of the die from the protective package.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein the barrier layer is formed on the active surface of the substrate.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein the barrier layer is formed on a surface of the substrate surrounding and adjacent to the passing opening. 